(from Lotus Press
Release) Choosing your track day performance car has just
become a lot more exciting with the introduction of the entry level
2-Eleven and extensive range of Lotus Sport performance options.
Choosing your track day performance car has just become a lot more
exciting with the introduction of the entry level 2-Eleven and
extensive range of Lotus Sport performance options.
The latest Lotus
2-Eleven, bristling with Lotus Sport options and wearing a dramatic
carbon fibre body was exhibited at the 78th annual Geneva
International Motor show. This car has been specified with, amongst
other options, the 255 PS (252 bhp, 188 kw) power upgrade, carbon
fibre tonneau cover, four piston front brakes, “Aero Pack” and
“Sport Pack” as an example of how the new range of Lotus Sport
options can be configured.
Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus plc commented: “The 2-Eleven has
been exceptionally well received worldwide, which has provided Lotus
with a significant challenge to keep pace with demand.” He went on
to add “It is very encouraging to see that the 2-Eleven is asserting
itself as class leader in the track day enthusiast sector and to
hear all the incredibly positive feedback from people enjoying the
2-Eleven’s fantastic performance”.
The 2-Eleven made its global debut at the 77th annual Geneva
International Motor show in 2007 available in launch specification
with the supercharged 255 PS (252 bhp, 188 kw) engine, in either UK
Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) or Track Only guise for the
introductory price of £39,995/ € 49,573. After suggestions from
Lotus racers and owners, the 2-Eleven will now be available as an
entry level car with a number of option packs to tailor to owners’
individual requirements. As well as a number of performance option
packs such as the Track Day pack and UK road SVA pack, there are a
range of stand alone options that now include two different Limited
Slip Differentials, an FIA approved 70 litre bag fuel tank and a
removable competition steering wheel. Roger Becker, Vehicle
Engineering Director explained, “It is an imperative that all Lotus
cars have to be fun to drive and the 2-Eleven epitomises this DNA
rule with its blistering performance. It provides serious quantities
of fun, either whizzing down country roads in SVA trim or on track
pushing to the limits of grip”. He continued, “the suspension of the
2-Eleven has been extensively tuned by our Dynamics Engineers to
provide optimum handling for track driving, giving an involving
set-up that rewards drivers with exceptional balance and control at
the limit”.
Lotus is a company committed to continual improvement and one facet
of this dedication is pushing the boundaries of performance through
light weight. The entry level car, which at 720 kg (1600 lbs)
epitomises the Lotus “performance through lightweight” mantra, is
powered by the naturally aspirated, high revving 190 PS (189 hp, 141
kw) engine from the Elise R. This 2-Eleven even in its most basic
specification shows a remarkable turn of pace with the sprint to 60
mph taking just 4.3 seconds and achieving a top speed of 140 mph
(225 km/h). With the introduction of the naturally aspirated model
and upgrade options, there are now many permutations that 2-Eleven
can be ordered in, giving an incredible opportunity to create
individual customer bespoke cars – in theory no two cars need be the
same! The full Lotus paint palette including Lifestyle colours,
Metallic colours and Premium colours is available to further
customise the 2-Eleven (a full list of 2008 options is attached
along with a UK and EU price list). The Launch colour scheme along
with the Red Scorpion, Orange Bobcat, Yellow Hornet and Green Dragon
schemes are all available as a cost option. The 255 PS supercharged
engine as featured on the Launch Edition is retained as an option,
which lowers the zero to 60 mph time to a staggering 3.8 seconds
with 0-100 km/h in 4.0 seconds. The addition of the supercharger
increases torque to 242 Nm (179 lb.ft), offering greater flexibility
for sensational in gear acceleration and an increase in top speed to
150 mph (241 km/h).
The entry level and launch edition are available with the incredibly
popular UK SVA option pack, making it possible for owners to drive
to a circuit, race around all day and drive home in the evening
without the hassle and expense of a trailer. This option is
definitely worth ticking. It is also now possible to get these
2-Elevens road registered in a number of markets around the world
using the relevant territory specific registration approval process.
The light weight of the 2-Eleven translates into lightning turn-in
and intoxicating performance, providing a very addictive tonic. In
entry level specification with the order box for the carbon fibre
body ticked, the 2-Eleven comes in at a featherweight kerb mass of
700 kg (1540 lbs), which equates to a dry weight of just 648 kg
(1430 lbs).
The addition of the Aero Pack gives the ability to change the high
speed balance of the car through adjustment of the rear wing angle:
with the wing set at maximum attack over 10 % of the vehicle’s
weight is generated in downforce at 100 mph (160 kph). The Aero Pack
consists of a race proven adjustable carbon fibre rear wing and to
provide front to rear aerodynamic balance, a lengthened composite
front splitter is incorporated. Even in SVA trim with the road legal
aerodynamic aids the 2-Eleven produces 60 kg (132 lbs) of downforce
at 100 mph (160 km/h)
As with all Lotus cars the 2-Eleven steering communicates every
nuance of the road, with the race car derived double wishbone
suspension and road legal semi-slick Lotus specific compound
Yokohama AO48 tyres. With the inclusion of the Sport Pack, Ohlins
2-way adjustable dampers are fitted allowing the suspension to be
tuned in harmony with the aero pack. This gives the option to dial
in customer preferred handling characteristics to slice those final
tenths off the perfect lap.
